A framework of politics and Democracy.

Introduction

My approach  is that a frame work of politics and democracy should emobody political harmony and socio- economic stability to countries  and can only be achieved through democracy and political reforms. As discussed in the background in the current internal and external environments authoritarian regimes should rethink their strategies regarding individual rights, Political parties, flagging economy, and civil unrest. The need for a fair, open and accountable government is immense for survival of regimes. The way most countries according to history have achieved this is through democracy.

It is important to reflect on what a theoretical frame work of democracy should basically cover. As there is vast amount of scholars and literature done on the topic it is impossible to look at them all. However as O’Donnell (2000) states any adequate theory of democracy must provide the historical conditions events that ultimately lead to the formation of democracies. 

Democracy is referred to a set of rules and procedure. A certain events or conditions that lead countries or nations to formulate certain rules and procedures and adopt a set of policies. There are many political regimes adopting or claiming to be democracies. While these countries who claim to be democracies are proud of their status, there are other countries or the countries regime that are well known as adopting governing system that defies the terms of democracy, Such rulers feel insecure, and normally their citizens are unhappy, moreover these countries are not widely loved by countries who adopt democratic politics. So this intrigues any political scientist to understand and learn the beliefs and doctrine that formulated the term democracy.

For this reason I will look briefly into the theories that define politics and democracies. The main reason is to understand the difference between democracies and other forms of politics in order to locate the importance of finding out the reason why and what democracy and politics is why it is important to adopt democracies for a happier society. Democracy is normally applied to the political frame work of the country. This makes it necessary to understand and establish a definition of politics.

Politics is a widely used word. By hearing the word using the word though we have no formal meaning people understand it, and relate to it in relation to government, political parties, and democracy. However according to Fried land, R; Alford, R, R (1985:408-420) each state in the western developed countries they have their own conception of politics.

The theoretical perspective varies from one another. Politics in the pluralist context is defined by the authors as disagreement over alternative possible decisions in particular situations, in which individuals use their resources to attempt to influence the outcome. In this context power is vested in who wins in the particular situation.

Politics in management context is explained by the authors as organised conflict between political parties relatively stable coalitions that compete for the chance to rule a state or an organisation.. These authors’ associate politics with power and states that politics is a conflict relationship and is a condition necessary. For the existence of politics is genuine consensus and challenged rule. In this context the author describes politics as a strategic alliance that creates possibilities of action to reinforce or change institutional arrangements.

Sharpe, L.J & Newton, K (1984) pages (205-220) describe politics as the main explanation of government or governing process, and policy making in this context. Politics is referred as the governing of a political institution entity, such as a nation, and the administration and control of its internal and external affairs. The activities or affairs engaged in by a government, politician, or political party play a very important role in politics. Politics explains the methods or tactics involved in managing a state or government. This can be described as similar to other establsihed definition. Politics is explained in the most derived common terms as the process and method of making decisions for groups. Although it is generally applied to governments, politics is also observed in all human group interactions including corporate, academic, and religious. Politics in the broader context refers to power, authority, legitimacy and government. These four main areas that make politics are explained as the following.

• Power  as the ability to impose one's will on another. It implies to capacity for force.
• Authority  as the power to enforce laws, to exact obedience, to command, to determine, or to judge.
• Legitimacy as an attribute of government gained through the application of power in accordance with recognized or accepted standards or principles.
• Government as the body that has the authority to make and enforce rules or laws.

Theories of politics according to Stephen d. Tansey (2000:1-23)  however is associated to the famous Greek philosopher Plato and Aristotle.

He claims that expressing the meaning of politics as a difficult process and scientists are still trying to find a meaning of the word. The different definition given in his book with reference to other authors shares similarities discussed in the previous paragraphs. Some of them are included below.

Oxford English dictionary meaning in Stephen d. Tansy (2000) state politics as the science and art of government, the science of dealing with the form, organisation and administration of a state or a part of one, and with there regulation of its relation with other states.

Bernanrd Crick, 2001  describe politics as a way of ruling divided societies by a process of free discussion without undue violence.

Further definitions include Max Webbers. This refers to politics as the probability in which an individual within a social relationship to be in a position to carry out his own will despite resistance regardless of the basis on which the probability arises.

It is clear that each definition covers a very important part that makes the society and makes one realise the broader context covered by poltics. In conclusion it can be said that politics has different aspects to it. It is a word that is that brings a lot of things under one umbrella. As Weber has described it is associated with social relationships. Existence of society civilisation is necessary for politics. While politics is always associated with countries and their governing bodies politics is present in everywhere. Small groups, between people, organisations, parties. Thus in this context it can be stated that we can use the word politics as a necessary process to resolve disagreement starting from individual human being  in a country to the broader context of between countries and nations of the world.

Major contemporary approaches to politics represented by Tanesy (1973) states that though there are different schools, and different areas of human experience that the word politics is referred to, it overall discusses the same topic. That is democracy, election and society.

Democracy

Democracy is often implemented as a form of government in which policy is decided by the preference of the real majority, as opposed to a partial or relative majority of the demos or citizens, in a decision-making process, generally consensus decision- making, usually elections or referenda, open to all or most citizens. In recent decades 'democracy' was used as a synonym for western liberal democratic systems in nation-states, but the existence of "illiberal democracies" is now recognised. The qualifier "liberal" in this context refers strictly speaking to constitutional liberalism and individual rights, but "liberal democracy" is widely used to describe other aspects that arise. Definitions of democracy have in any case broadened to include aspects of society and political culture in democratic societies, which are not specifically a "form of government". Most liberal-democracies are parliamentary representative democracies, but there are many varieties of democracy, some still hypothetical. The term "democratic" is also used in a looser sense, to describe participatory decision-making in groups or organisations.

Indeed, due to implications of comparative government, other preferred governments included: theocracy, monarchy, parliamentary , and republic. Since there are these other forms of government, the preference for the democratic form is itself an ideology, and a source of conflict. Despite its historical importance, there is no separate name for this ideology; it is referred to as 'pro-democracy' or simply 'democracy'. It is a universal ideology: most supporters of democracy consider it to be the only ethically legitimate form of government, and believe it should replace all other forms of government. Derived from democracy is democratization.  Democratization is the replacement of these non-democratic forms by a democracy. If it continues, some consider that this process will make the liberal-democratic nation-states the standard form of human society, although they are historically recent and historically unique.

Democracy according to Rejai, M (1967) while there is more than two hundred definition can be classified into two main categories. That is normative (classical) and emphatical. Normative has value and norms in its heart. There are more categories to it, the third been normative empherical and the fourth  ideological. Ideological is explained as having emphasis on collective mental outlook or shred beliefs and attitudes and habits.

Democratic theory came to been after the French revolution and the feudal order that ruled the world and the word democracy is seldomly used. However it came to existence due to the role of Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, John Stuart Mills and Alex de Tocquelle. With them Locke and Rousseau are regarded as the classical theorists of democracy.

Jefferson and Locke’s thinking is the world is governed by a moral and universal law of nature that imparts equally to all men. Equality and liberty on individual welfare, natural rights and also it claims that sovereignty resides with the people. Lincoln shared the small review on liberty and equality but emphasised that democracy can only be achieved by giving freedom to individuals precisely abolition of master-slave relationship that existed during his time. Lincoln’s faith was in anarchy and despotism ‘the majority rule’. De Tocqueville while agree on has a major emphasis on liberty and claimed the basis of democracy that we know today. The separation of power, the federal system, local system of governance, political parties and public opinions. Mill while does not share enthusiasm on equality, has the same emphasise on liberty but within the frame work of representative government. The evolving and developing of democracy over the years still has the same framework.

The criticism of classical conceptions of democracy is that whether individualistic or collectivistic it rests up on a series of norms and ideals lacking systematic reference to political reality.

Definition of democracy  is explored by Carl J. Ferederic Robert Dhal and also in the works of E.F.M Durbin. Lipset, M is concerned with behavioural or institutional variables operative in the actual political system. Basically imperial definition of  the democratic method. That  is for institutions or governments to make political decisions in which individuals claim power through peoples vote.  It emphasis the fact that democracy as a minimum should have a process by which ordinary citizens can apply high degree of control over their leaders. Democracy should consist of “a political system which supplies regular constitutional opportunities for changing the governing officials. Also democracy should be a social mechanism for the resolution of problem of society’s decision making which permits the largest possible part of this population to influence these decisions through their ability to choose among alternative contenders for political office. These conditions are, first one set of leaders in office, second one or more set of leaders out of office and a political formulary legitimising the system as a whole.”

The third group of theorist Lindsay and Barker, Dewy and Maclver define democracy in both normative emphereical context  even though they differ among themselves.The main emphasis of these theorists are to do with the view that democracy is a method of the government of the people. It also emphasis the importance of community and the state. Democracy on one hand is defined as a system of responsible government and it is a way of deciding who shall govern with what powers. It also  distinguishes democracy from other types of government by giving importance to citizen participation in the sanctioning  of leaders through discussion, debates and voting. Furthermore the existence of boarder choice through multiparty and multi leaders from which a final selection can be made.

A more recent addition to classical forms of democracy is Sartoei’s definition of democracy. His definition is, democracy as a political system in which the influence of the majority is assured by elective and competitive minority to whom it is entrusted. However in its normative aspect it separates democracy and libertarian democracy. It is stated that liberalism calls for liberty and democracy calls for equality, and uniting them is a responsibility of a liberal democratic system. Overall Normative formulation of democracy is a mixture of old and new and deals with pluralism, competition, leadership and control.

The fourth and final ideological definition of democracy  has the notion of natural law, natural rights and general view and popular sovereignty. Ideology is social and political beliefs embodying certain values and beliefs. Theorist that developed this ideology including Bernard William and Herbat Mclomsky and zevedi Barbuhs different has different approaches to Ideology. Out of these Williams analysis is regarded as sketch and incomplete. But  McClosky’s analysis gives a brief and clear definition. As democratic ideology  he identifies “concepts such as consent, accountability, limited or positional government, representation, majority rule, minority rights, the principals of political oppositions, freedom of thought, speech, press, and assembly, equality of opportunity, religious toleration, equality before law, the right for judicial defence, and individual self-determination  over a broad range of personal affairs.

It can be said there are different foundations discussed in the broader frame work of democracy and the theoretical frame work behind each theorist has different means and different forms. But through closer observation it can be concluded that it all shares the common principals of collective decision making, freedom and civil liberty, equality of rights and also majority rules. It is about meeting the needs of the people through a set of rules that embodies accountability of the leaders that the people has chosen through fair election, achieving social justice and economic stability through collective decision making.

We have known about the term democracy as the answer to civil liberty and political harmony. However the world, its nations and states before democracy, has known many forms of government decision making models before. According to Held, D (1993-Pp27) the history of modern interstate system and international relations the world does not necessarily follow any democratic organisation. Furthermore even though regional and international organisations exist their decisions does not reflect common grounds for all nations to be happy or get advantages from. Thus the need for common grounds and happier national societies and also the need to improve diplomatic relations between the countries lead to common international treaty or rights known as Westphalia model. The theoretical implication behind Westphalia is that the world is divided into independent sovereign countries which has no superior authority over one another. These countries should also make their own rules and regulations and disputes and law enforcement rests with the country subject to a term described as logic of competitive struggle for power. If differences between countries arise basically the rule is survival of the fittest. That is countries can settle the dispute through the use of force. The same applies for cross boarder disputes. The frame work provided for international justice and harmony according to Held, D has no international moral requirement and the world consist of countries pursuing their own interest then. This not only led to disintegration of world order. But lead to the world countries to a power struggle building large armies ready for combat. Furthermore it also lead to less powerful countries being exploited and victimised by more powerful countries, specially vulnerable are the already poverty stricken third world countries. It is not only countries, but if a regional or international level organisation (such as EU and north Atlantic Treaty Organisation), existed, their performance does not reflect a common ground.

The First World War and Second World War are the outcome This made countries realize the importance for world order. The death and destruction lead to the realisation that a more international common ground is needed. Also a set of law that everybody abides in order to minimise such a violent catastrophe as the first and second world war. The result is the formation of United Nation and the first UN charter to a more peaceful approach to world order. From restrictive more humanistic set of clauses to a democratic set of clauses were being included in the newly formed UN charter.

The clause were claimed as an introduction of the world to common global democracy. Many of the terms we here to day that is associated with democracy were covered in the clauses.

 For example of such closes are

‘Certain people oppressed by colonial powers, racist regime or foreign occupants are assigned rights of recognition and a determinate role in articulating future interests. ‘

The clause further enhances the preservation of peace, advancement of human rights, and establishment of greater social justice. This shift Held, D 1993-Pp27-37 state lead to the political practises of countries to reflect on democratic values.

The practising of internationally shared set of democratic values lead to countries to adopt such styles within their own country. The same method of international human rights, international civil societies got transferred within into the countries and their individuals. Thus a model for democracy began to emerge.

From ancient city states, to an era of colonialism and imperialism, lead to an evolvement of strategies and decision as stated below, which also became the basis of the widely practised and widely used term of democracy.

The universal declaration of human rights according to Beetham, D; Boyle, K (1995) states that every individual has the right to participate in the government of their country directly or through freely chosen representatives. It also states that every individual has the right to have equal access to public service in his or her country. Finally it states that the authority of the government should be based on the will of the people. The will of the people should be expressed through genuine universal elections held by secret vote or by free voting procedures.

Looking at the above statements in article 21 of human rights declaration it is clear that these rights should be the basis of any government in any country regardless of which part of the world it is located. This is where democracy comes in. The reason is democracy is the political theory which values the human right declarations presented above. While majority and major countries of the world established these set of policies and became renowned as democratic countries; there are other countries that still follow the old school in governing their countries. Democratic politics itself varies. So it is important to look at the theoretical frame work behind the different forms of democracy and also other forms of politics that still rule the countries of the world.

Political Stability in democracies

‘One argument for democracy is that by creating a system where  the public can remove administrations, without changing the legal basis for government, democracy aims at reducing political uncertainty and instability, and assuring citizens that however much they may disagree with present policies, they will be given a regular chance to change those who are in power, or change policies, they will be given a regular chance to change those who are in power, or change policies with which they disagree. This is preferable to a system where political change takes place through violence.

Some think that political stability may be considered as excessive when the group in power remains the same for an extended period of time. On the other hand, this is more common in nondemocracies. According to Nagel. D. J; Maher, A(1999-PP2) at  the dawning of east west confrontations in an effort to present an alternative to soviet communism during cold war and also presence of fascism, countries such as Germany, Japan and Italy pursued a democratization process. In an attempt to deviate the communist model lead to comparatives to be blind to other paths of politics which does not pursue the western model. However definition the authors give  gives as Eurocentrism has lead to  scholars to realise of  other varieties of political developments in the former colonies, such as third world dependency politic. The point is when we look at the end result of the different political systems that exist in the world we can see that in countries claiming to be democracies have happier societies, better economies and less internal conflicts. According to Beetham, D; Boyle, K (1995 pp xiii) it is evident that a country which has no competitive elections or universal suffrage or where elected politician have no control over the non-elected officials, where there is no guaranteed rights of association, or freedom of expressions is a non-democratic country. Democracy as mentioned by others especially after the cold war has become a universal ideal that belongs to the sphere of collective directions. Decisions should be made as a whole instead of individuals or elite groups. It should also provide its citizens equal rights in every goal they pursue every decision that is made including social, economic and in the political sphere.

The amount of democracies present in the world are increasing as we speak, more and more countries are changing to democracies as a result of the many factors involved in actions towards doing so. Since 1974, the number of democracies worldwide has quadrupled. In the past 10 years alone, the number of electoral democracies has almost doubled to 120 nations worldwide, in good measure because democratic institutions offer the best guarantee of respect for human rights as well as the best chance to improve the lives of average citizens. As Vice President Al Gore noted in his November 1998 speech at the APEC summit in Malaysia, "History has taught us that freedom -- economic, political and religious freedom -- unlocks a higher fraction of the human potential than any other way of organizing society." Recent events have only confirmed that democratic governance and human rights remain inextricably intertwined with our efforts to bring the blessings of prosperity, security and peace to ourselves for posterity.’

Though direct voting is crucial to decision-making in democratic system, democracies often function through representatives of the people elected through an electoral process, who take decision on all matters during their term of governance. The electoral system of democracy emerged when the purpose of establishing representative institutions was taken for granted. In an electoral democracy, the process of election is often assumed as crucial to the functioning of democracy. In electoral democracies the various political parties compete in a fair and free election, after publicizing their agenda for governance.’

Importance of Democratic Governance system towards providing a just and equitable civil service society  

Democracy means far more than just holding elections. Elections should be regarded not as an end in themselves, but as the means to establish a political system that fosters the growth and self-fulfillment of its citizens by promoting and protecting their political and civil rights. Genuine democracy thus requires not just elections, but respect for human rights, including the right to political dissent; a robust civil society; the rule of law, characterized by vibrant political institutions, constitutionalism and an independent judiciary; open and competitive economic structures; an independent media capable of engaging an informed citizenry; freedom of religion and belief; mechanisms to safeguard minorities from oppressive rule by the majority; and full respect for women's and workers' rights. These principles combined with free and fair elections  form the basis for a culture of democracy.’

Good governance is related to elimination of all unjustness in a society. It is stated as the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and improving human development.  Anan (2002).  Good governance is described as any democratic governance. Democracy is described by UN (2002)

“As a universally recognised ideal, based on values common to people everywhere regardless of cultural, political or social, economic differences .It is a political system that enables people to freely choose an effective honest, transparent and accountable government.

UN (2002) identifies several important factors that should be present in democratic governance system. These are referred as key principals of democracy and were adopted as the universal declaration of democracy in 1997.

This states that in a democracy that people’s:Human right and fundamental freedom are respected allowing them to live with dignity.

 Political freedom and participation is stated as advancing human development. A person who are not able to join parties or who are not able to express themselves according to UN (2002) has few choices in life. Though basically human development is about reducing poverty and improvement of health education, having freedom and liberation in the political arena of the country can promote the well being and dignity of the people. It state democracy has two core principals of participation and accountability. While participation is the right to manage their own affairs and have a say in how the affairs of their society should be run by the government. Accountability broadly refers to the public having the right to access information on government activities, to petition the government and to seek readress through impartial administrative and judicial mechanism.

It states for humans to be free from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, class gender or any other attribute., It states that democracies should have genuine partnership between men and women in decision makings in the society in both public and private sphere. Democracies are described as insuperable from human rights and are founded on the primacy of law for which judicial institutions and independent, impartial, effective oversight mechanisms are the guarantors. It also states that democratic governance should have system of parliament representing all parts of society in essential. It should be given institutional powers and practical means to express the will of the people by legislating and maintaining the government actions. One of the most important features of this according to (UN 2002) is holding free and fair elections based on universal, secret, equal suffrage.

It states that the current policies should reflect the needs of future generation. Women should be regarded as equal partners as men in both private and public spheres of life and decision making. It also states that economic and social policies should be responsive to people’s needs and aspirations. Furthermore that such policies should be about eradicating poverty and expanding the choices of every one and their lives.

Democratization and strengthening democracy

Several important factors are stated as strong pillars for democracy.One of the most important factors is described as restoring and straitening public trust in the government. This UN (2002) state should be made by developing stronger methods for formal political participation and representation, through establishment of political parties and electoral systems. The arbitrary powers if exists need to be reduced by separation of powers among the structure of the government which includes the executive, judiciary and legislature. The government should also establish effective independent intuitions. Power should be decentralised within decorative frame work. The country should also improve and strengthen the free and independent media.

As mentioned before political participation and representation is vital for democracy.An effective democratic political system according to UN (2002) depends on the effective functioning of political parties. Parties responsive to the people. Parties should be open and transparent such a holding open competitive election for leaders, by promoting participation of minority having high ethical standards discipline and also effective financial management.

In conclusion we can extract several key structures that are needed for a country to be called democratic. They are

1.                  Political freedom  participation and representation

2.                  Accountability

3.                  free from discrimination of minorities and women

4.                  Transparency

5.                  Free fair elections and electoral system

6.                  Strong ethically functioning Political parties.

7.                  Separation of power

Countries in Africa are always been subjected to the prospects of whether or not democracies should be made out of them. Much discussion is enforced to try and decide this issue and to come to conclusions. There are a lot of different opinions on this.

‘Democracy is a mechanism of collective choice and a form of social organization that can be considered a superior substitute for other such mechanisms or forms of organization. As such, democracy may be expected to grow, or diffuse, over time, amongst the world's population, and the question posed in the present study is: does that growth follow a regular pattern, according with the Fischer-Pry substitution model of technological change?’

It also states that economic and social policies should be responsive to people’s needs and aspirations. Furthermore that such policies should be about eradicating poverty and expanding the choices of every one and their lives.

Democratization and strengthening democracy

Several important factors are stated as strong pillars for straitening democracy.

One of the most important factors is described as restoring and straitening public trust in the government. This accoutring to UN (2002) should be mad by developing stronger methods for formal political participation and representation, through establishment of political parties and electoral systems.

The arbitrary powers if exists need to be reduced by separation of powers among the structure of the government which includes the executive, judiciary and legislature. The government should also establish effective independent intuitions. Power should be decentralised within decorative frame work. The country should also improve and strengthen the free and independent media.

As mentioned before political participation and representation is vital for democracy.

An effective democratic political system according to UN (2002) depends on the effective functioning of political parties. Parties responsive to the people. Parties should be open and transparent such a holding open competitive election for leaders, by promoting participation of minority having high ethical standards discipline and also effective financial management.

In conclusion we can extract several key structures that are needed for a country to be called democratic. They are

8.                  Political freedom  participation and representation

9.                  Accountability

10.              free from discrimination of minorities and women

11.              Transparency

12.              Free fair elections and electoral system

13.              Strong ethically functioning Political parties.

14.              Separation of power

The IDEA assessment of(2001) prepared by IDEA offers theretical framework of democracy. Prepared by Weir, Kearton, Bracking Beetham (2001:1-62) provides a current up to date modern theoretical framework of democracy. For that reason this half of the chapter will look at factors provided in the author’s assessment. Also it is clear there is no better agency, or an organisation to determine what theoretical frame work of democracy and political freedom will be than IDEA. The reason is IDEA is the organisation involved in assessing countries democracy around the world.

First of all it is claimed that democracy and freedom can only be assessed a countries citizen. However a IDEA (2001) state that a democratic country should guarantee a framework of equal citizens rights, including the rule of law, access to justice economic and social rights as well as political rights. The government should have representative and accountable institution. Also it should include freedom to establish and join organisational, a media that is free and also freedom for individuals toe express themselves. The three pillars of democracy according to this principal are basic rights of the countries citizens, representative and accountable government, an effective civil society.

The system of democracy is repeated resorted to and hailed as an effective system of governance. The effectiveness of a democratic system is very much dependent on the sense and sensibility of the voting citizenry. However, in the third world countries, where the common man in too much loaded with the burdens of life, the democratic system is often manipulated by either corrupt elites within the system or external agencies trying to implement their agenda.’ The foremost indicator of the assessment covers citizenship, law and rights of the people. Under this first it examines nationhood and citizenship of the people. This means how people are included in their society. While countries these days share multicultural dimension, whether people from different cultures or ethnic background so other differences feel that they have equal rights in the policies and governance of the country. Or in other words if they are equal in the eye of the law. The procedures, rules and regulations see every body equal and apply it in the functioning of the government. Second it looks at law and access to justice. This looks at the success of the government in applying the rule of law to maintain order, and peach and harmony in the society. An important fact or under this is it emphases on the transparency and accountability of public officials and performance of their jobs efficiently and honestly. The access to justice to everybody. In other words it looks at the justice system and sees that it treats every one equally in penalising. UN (2002:51) from human perspective covers this in a simplified fashion. That is democracy and good governance make sure that humanists and fundamental freedom are respected allowing them to live in dignity. Effective systems should enable them to participate and decision making that affects them and at the same time it should enable them to hold decision makers accountable and question their judgment. People should be living in an environment free from discrimination regardless of their gender, age, ethnic backgrouyd.The Idea (2002) assessment elaborates on it, civil and political rights. The countries to be in line with democracy should make sure that freedom of movement, expression, association and assembly. That people are free from intimidation. They should be able to have aces to social welfare, security and have opportunities for employment and also fulfil basic necessities of life including shelter, food and water, education health and other such rights and needs.

The second part of indicators of democracy falls under the umbrella of representative and accountable government. This area covers the fact whether the countries have legislative office responsible for fair and competitive election and voting. Where the country has a party system from which voters can choose from, and how free these parties are to function. The government should also be able to influence and control issues that effect the livelihood of the people, identify the need of the people and resolve economic, social issues that people face. This part also looks at countries ability in controlling corruption, public officials conduct and also the conduct of policy and armed force, the parliament.

The third indicator looks at civil society and participation. Its main focus is on the independence of media from the government. How the government values opinion of the people and freedom it gives to the people to voice their opinion and question the government without fear of intimidation and harassment. It also looks at women’s representation and participation in both public and private sector, what the government does to make sure that minority’s sections of eths society are included in the governing process. The government’s level of decentralisation is also assessed under this framework. Furthermore public consultation and participation in decision making and policy formulation, a and the governments ability solve problems  of these society, its accountability and responsiveness in dealing with  issues encountered by the citizen is also covered in the context of civil society and participation.

The final part of democratic assessment looks at the international dimension of democracy of the government. It looks at whether the countries decision or governance is influence by any external organisation, when economic, social and political dimensions. It also looks at the countries role in obeying rules and procedures that are covered by international organisations and treaties. This includes the countries human rights conduct and its obligation international treaties and agreement. For example countries treatment to refugees and the like.

UN (2002:69) identifies some important factor of democracy. It states that government should make sure that they increase transparency, accountability and consistency. To strengthening democratic procedures, countries should establish representative structures and reduce concentration of political power in the government. This can be done by four ways. That is firstly through development of stronger political participation though political parties and electoral systems. Secondly through strengthening checks on arbitrary power through corporation of power among the judiciary, executive and legislature and also by creating independent bodies that re effective. The third method is through decentralisation by using democratic methods. Power should be devolved form central government to local institution. Finally by developing free and independent media.

It states: ’In democracy assistance and promotion, the United Nations can find itself in the position of supporting various activities that may not all be perfectly complementary, especially in post-conflict societies. For example, the democracy that Burundi experienced, including the 1993 elections, had a questionable impact at that time. Indeed, elections may well have played a role in the ensuing instability and violence because they exacerbated an atmosphere of divisive political competition in a tense social environment. Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, who served as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Burundi between 1993 and 1995, reflected that “majority rule simply could not be sustained given the realities of Burundi’s political and security situation”, and “in many African countries, the introduction of democracy should be allied with a ten- to twenty-year transitional period of constitutional power-sharing.’

The function of political party’s political participation and representation also is important to make sure that country’s democracy is maintained UN (2002: 69).For country to function effectively as democracy the counter should have political parties that are sound, that are responsive to the people and has strong structural base. UN (2002) state that normally especially in that developing world new democracies means new political parties.  These parities being so new are not able to fulfil their traditional functions. The functions of political education, mobilization and representation of diverse interest within the society. Africa is taken as a true example. It was stated that:

“In many African countries opposition parties disappear between elections, while ruling party behave like they used to under single rule system…A dearth of public funding an limits on fundraising leave parties dependent on a few wealthy individuals to finance their activities and campaign…with perks and patronage flowing from ruling parities, politicians are increasingly switching party affiliation….to join the winning party”.

In conclusion it can be said democracy is the answer to  representation of people the right to a form of government in which power is invested in the people as a whole, usually exercised on their behalf by elected representatives. A system of government based on the principle of majority decision-making is the only form of democratic government.
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Reference

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Reference:

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Available at: http://www.democraticaudit.com/auditing_democracy/assessmentframework.php#1

International IDEA has published a full guide to the assessment framework, The International IDEA Handbook on Democracy Assessment (David Beetham et al, IDEA/Kluwer Law International, 2002).

The State of Democracy: Democracy Assessments in Eight Nations Around the World (David Beetham et al, IDEA/Kluwer Law International, 2002).

Beetham, David, Bracking, Sarah, Kearton, Iain, and Weir, Stuart, The IDEA Handbook on Democracy Assessment, IDEA/Kluwer Law International (The Hague), 2002 [now available via www.brill.nl, or brill@turpinltd.com].

Building Democracy with UN Assistance - By Edward Newman and Roland Rich

The Rise of Democracy

Nivedita Menon & Jason Mank

Reference

Beetham, D; Boyle, K (1995) PP. Xii: Introducing democracy. Great Britain. Polity Press.

Held, D (1993) prospects fro democracy. Great Britain, Polity Press.

O’Donnell (2000) Democracy, Law, and Comparative Politics; Working Paper University of Sussex. Brighton UK IDS publication

Nagel. D. J; Maher, A (1999) Democracy and Democratization. UK. Sage Publication Inc.

Rejai, M (1967) Democracy: The contemporary theories

Anan, K in Human Development Report (2002) (UNDP) Oxford University Press.

Human Development Report 2002. Oxford University Press

Democracy in Third World Countries

Wikipedia.net

Burning Issues: Famine, Structural Adjustment and Democracy’

Reference

Friedland, R; Alford, R, R(1985)pp(:408-420)Powers of theory: Capitalism, the state and Democracy Capitalism, the state and Democracy. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge.

Sharpe, L.J & Newton, K(1984)Does Poltics Matter. The Determinants of Public Policy. Clarendon Press. Oxford.

Stephen d. Tansey (2000) the Basics Poltics.(2000)Rutledge. USA & Canada.

The right to democracy - By Assistant Secretary of State Harold Hongju Koh

Democracy times today – Jane Alexandra Thompson, India Times.